Evaluating hits and misses from latest Jaguars' 7-round NFL mock draft
· Yahoo Sports
Chad Reuter of NFL.com has put out his final 2026 NFL mock draft, and it's a full seven-rounder. So who did the Jacksonville Jaguars end up selecting?
When it was all said and done, Reuter managed to address the Jaguars' most pressing needs, finding immediate help at certain spots while also planning for future years.
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Let's dive into Reuter's mock.
Pick 56: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
While GM James Gladstone seems bullish about the talent already on the Jaguars' roster at linebacker, particularly Ventrell Miller, adding some additional competition wouldn't be a bad thing either. Hill Jr. brings a well-rounded skill set to the position and could make a Day 1 impact.
Pick 81: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
Depth and more pass-rush consistency beyond Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are needed, with Jacksonville ranking 18th in pressure rate and 27th in sacks as a unit. Crawford had a big jump in production last season, totaling 43 pressures -- 17 more than the previous season. He also improved as a run defender according to PFF's grading system.
Pick 88: DeMonte Capehart, IDL, Clemson
Continuing to build the defensive tackle depth and searching for more pass rush juice from the interior are needed, even after trading for Ruke Orhorhoro. Capehart has made just 12 starts in his career, but he's held up well against the run and has upside as a pass rusher.
Pick 100: Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU
If the Jaguars' pursuit of Jake Bobo earlier this offseason tells us anything, it's that the wide receiver position is on James Gladstone's radar. Lance was a standout performer at the NFL combine and a big-play threat at NDSU.
Pick 124: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
An experienced and productive back as a ball carrier, Coleman also made an impact in the passing game, both as a pass catcher and in pass protection. He brings a well-rounded skill set to the NFL level.
Pick 164: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
Masses was excellent in coverage last season, allowing a completion rate of just 49% on 61 targets, along with showcasing very good ball production with five interceptions and nine pass breakups. One of the benefits of re-signing Montaric Brown is that drafting a cornerback early is no longer a must, although it still should be on Gladstone's radar.
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
The Jaguars seemed to be positioned well at safety with Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson leading the way, along with 2025 draft picks Caleb Ransaw and Rayuan Lane also on the roster. But depth could be added with Andrew Wingard now in Arizona. Taaffe was a much-improved tackler last season, allowing him to limit plays in the pass game and better help in the run game.
Pick 203: Alan Herron, OT, Maryland
With no roster turnover up front, the offensive line is not a big need for the Jaguars this offseason -- although for a team that prioritized competition up front last season and needs improved play in the run game, an addition to this unit does seem to be in play. Herron was one of PFF's higher graded pass blockers in 2025.
Pick 233: Caden Barnett, OG, Wyoming
Looking ahead to 2027, Jacksonville could move on at that point from Patrick Mekari and/or Robert Hainsey by getting out of their contracts with a good amount of salary cap savings. Ezra Cleveland and Chuma Edoga are also set to be free agents. So there are reasons to add to the interior offensive line, but it's a crowded room, and two additions to the offensive line unit could make for some difficult decisions come roster cutdowns.
Pick 240: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
On the roster are Walker, Hines-Allen, BJ Green, and Danny Striggow at defensive end. So, yes, double-dipping at this position in the draft is very much in play. Sapp generated 18 pressures and two sacks last season. In 2024, he was among the best run defenders at this position group by PFF's metrics.
Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU
I think that the Jaguars address tight end well before Round 7. This is an under-the-radar need that the team has. Hibner caught 55 passes for over 800 yards the last two seasons with eight touchdowns. Roughly 50% of his offensive snaps came as a blocker, where he graded out decently in the run game.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars' 11 picks in Reuter's final mock